Haiphong in 1 Day for Friends - Visit the Military Hospital Cave
In Collaboration with Cat Ba Wellness DMC. Updated on February 22, 2026.
Discover cave, coastlines, and local life on a half-day cycling adventure. Covering ~31 km through Cat Ba National Park, villages and coastal roads, the tour includes bicycle, helmet, support vehicle, a snack and a tea break with a local family. Departures: 08:00 or 13:30. Duration: 4.5 hours.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Cat Ba Wellness DMC, inspired by the tour Easy Rider Cat Ba - National Park & Caving. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Visit the Military Hospital Cave
- Cycle through Cat Ba National Park
- Tea break with a local bee-farming family
- Scenic coastal road with limestone cliffs
- Option to use an e-bike
Itinerary
Day 1
Half-day cycling route across Cat Ba Island: meeting and bike setup, visit to the Hospital Cave, short stop at the national park gate, tea with a local family in Hien Hao, then coastal return to the office/accommodation.
Meet at Cat Ba Wellness DMC / 80 Núi Ngọc — bike fitting & safety briefing
Meet your guide at the office on Núi Ngọc. Receive your bike and helmet, complete a short safety briefing and route overview, and prepare to cycle out of town.
Tips from local experts:
- Arrive 5–10 minutes early to complete paperwork and get fitted for the MTB (Giant Rincon 2) without delaying the group.
- Wear closed-toe shoes and breathable clothing; the office has a small shaded area but little indoor space.
- Store any valuables at your accommodation or in the support vehicle—only small personal items fit on the bike.
Ride to and visit the Military Hospital Cave
Cycle from the meeting point toward the Hospital Cave; explore the three-storey bombproof chambers and hear the guide explain its role during the Vietnam War.
Tips from local experts:
- Bring a light jacket—cave interiors are noticeably cooler and humid compared with outside.
- Keep your helmet on while approaching the site; there may be short uneven ramps or steps to enter the cave.
- Have your phone ready for photos but watch your step on uneven ground; the guide will point out the main chambers and history.
Cycle to Cat Ba National Park gate — short wildlife & info stop
Return to the bikes and ride toward the national park gate. Short stop for bird- and wildlife-spotting while the guide gives an overview of the biosphere reserve.
Tips from local experts:
- Bring binoculars if you have them; the gate area is a common spot for birdwatching.
- Apply insect repellent before leaving the village—short rides through vegetated stretches can have mosquitoes.
- Keep cameras ready for quick roadside viewpoints, but follow your guide's instructions when stopping for wildlife.
Hien Hao Commune — village ride and tea with a local bee-farming family
Cycle past rice paddies and village lanes into Hien Hao. Visit a local family's bee farm, taste fresh honey and traditional tea while learning about local customs.
Tips from local experts:
- Carry a small amount of local currency for incidental purchases or donations; card payments are unlikely in village homes.
- Be respectful in the family home—remove shoes if they ask and follow the host's guidance when sampling honey or tea.
- If you're using an e-bike, check battery level before this stop; the guide can assist with battery management or swapping bikes if needed.
Coastal ride back to Cat Ba Wellness DMC / return to accommodation
Cycle along the coastal road framed by emerald waters and limestone cliffs. Enjoy scenic photo stops; the ride finishes back at the office or your accommodation in town.
Tips from local experts:
- Protect your phone and camera from sea spray—use a waterproof pouch or inside a small dry bag on the bike.
- If you prefer not to cycle the final leg, inform the guide at the Hien Hao stop—they can arrange bike transfer and transport back (ticket for bus/transfer is not included).
- Refill small water bottles at the end; the support vehicle carries extra water and a snack if needed.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 5 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Friends |
| Transfers | 1 |
| Restaurants | - |
| Total Activities | 4 |
| Total Places | 5 |
| Activities Types | Experience, Attraction, Outdoor, Culture, Transfer |